In one of the most riveting grand final moments of 2015, the legendary cowboy, Johnathan Thurston played an extraordinary game. To this day, he recounts his awe while watching Nathan Cleary, a miraculous young player on the Panthers’ halfback, pull out a comeback that will strike fear into their future opponents.
Famous for his heart-stopping field goal in the 2015 decider which left the Broncos devastated in the golden point, Thurston appreciates a companion who can wrench out hope from their adversaries just as he denying Brisbane their first premiership in 17 years.
Following the momentous game in 2015 with the Cowboys, the Broncos had been absent from the grand final. Their standout performance, leading 24-8, suggested an end to their title drought, largely due to an amazing triple strike by Ezra Mam. A sudden twist of fate, in the form of an incredible 20-minute burst from Nathan Cleary, helped the Panthers snatch a third consecutive premiership.
Cleary, aged 25, set up two tries, effectively crossed a 40/20, and further secured their win with four minutes left, all while battling a severe finger injury. This sensational performance earned him his second Clive Churchill Medal. Even the biggest names in the game can’t help but acknowledge, perhaps, the greatest individual performance they’d had witnessed.
As an enthusiastic supporter of the game, Thurston believes Cleary’s grand final performance was one of the most influential he had ever watched. He spoke of his admiration and expectation shortly before being inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
He fondly remembers the effort that Cleary put into the 2020 game against Melbourne, where, even though unsuccessful, Cleary displayed his prowess and potential. The injuries of Jarome Luai and Isaah Yeo allowed Cleary to take control, and he seized command impressively.
Cleary’s already impressive career includes three comps, a World Cup, and a couple of State of Origin series. Despite critics calling for a more enhanced performance for the Blues, he already shares the spotlight with greats like Thurston and Andrew Johns.
Secured long-term in Penrith along with their prominent players, the team’s luminous future is undeniable. The anticipated loss of Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu will unquestionably affect the teams’ dynamic. However, Thurston is confident that the Panthers, reinforced by Cleary, will continue their dominance on the field.
As one of the greatest players in Cowboy, Maroons, and Kangaroos history, Thurston tends to predict the potential of young talents accurately. He is both excited and slightly anxious about the heights that Cleary can reach with his career.
Thurston envisions a highly promising career for Cleary, barring any unforeseeable injuries. “I’m looking forward to sitting back and watching him perform”, he shared with anticipation for the excitement this young player is bound to bring to the games.
